One goal of this volume is to critically examine existing metatheory in psychology. Its second goal is to portray how particular psychological endeavors can be enhanced by the application of metatheories, alternatives to the traditional mechanistic outlook. The alternative conceptual frameworks explored in this volume, namely, contextualism and dialectics, assume a fluid and metaphorical view of change, growth, development, and transformation. The areas of clinical and developmental psychology are fields wich are primarily concerned with explaining and promoting change. This volume offers a fresh conceptual perspective on psychological change.